Oliver! Q&A - Memories from the Cast | BFI

[@Misagonna88]

Oliver! Had three pivotal performances. Oliver Reed, Jack Wild and Ron Moody. No one else could play those parts. All three of them were superb and unique.

[@joelm6632]

And Nancy

[@ellie-tk4jy]

Eh? Oliver reed are you sure? I'd say Ron moody, Nancy and jack wild.

[@JohnHoulgate]

Oliver Reed. Who else could play Bill Sikes?

[@classicalperformances8777]

@@JohnHoulgate russle crowe?

[@JohnHoulgate]

@@classicalperformances8777 did he?

[@colinturner4158]

Ron moody was different class should have got a Oscar hands down.

[@MKW369]

Where is Ron Moody's Oscar? Always wondered how such a masterful performance was overlooked.

[@thecinematicmind]

Mary Kay Wallace and Jack Wild’s Oscar.

[@pruehalliwell2497]

A very nice man off camera as well.

[@diamondtran8331]

The Oscar judges must have been corrupted or incompetent!

[@AnaComesonotante]

I still think Jack should get the oscar that year.

[@1cultural]

However, Jack Albertson won for " Subject was Roses".

[@patdoyle3686]

OLIVER🌟 one of the greatest 🌟musicals movies🌟 ever made🌟

[@maxpower5680]

Props to the interviewer. He injects none of his personality, keeps the conversation going, and doesn’t interrupt.

[@hornylorney8150]

Such an underrated trait in people

[@kaila62kaila]

Ron Moody: Total Professional!

[@imaginationunreal]

All of the performance in this film are great, but Ron Moody's Fagin takes it another level. I've seen a lot of versions (live and on film) but the one stand out for me, the one that everyone after is compared to, is Ron Moody. For me, his is the gold standard.

[@darcymanson3308]

Ron Moody was just amazing!

[@ianbillingham7183]

OK then ill say it i no one else will - God bless ya Ollie Reed

[@pruehalliwell2497]

I agree. I've come to appreciate Oliver Reed more as I've got older.

[@young321bookie]

I don't think he was a Godly man somehow. :/

[@lizcooper6849]

I wish that they had mentioned Oliver Reed's brilliant performance as Bill Sikes. I always imagined that Mark Lester and the other kids were scared stiff of him!!

[@martinmayhew145]

They genuinely were. The scene where Sikes kills Nancy, Mark said in an interview attached to the DVD, that he wasn't acting, he genuinely was.

[@young321bookie]

@@martinmayhew145 - Oliver Reed traumatised those poor little children.

[@claudiocinti4266]

I think Bill Sikes to be one of the more wicked villain of literature - for his violence, brutality, savagery - may be the more barbarian, more than Richard the Third... So the performance of Oliver Reed is unreachable. When I see his grim gaze now, when I'm sixty years old, I can't help but to be terrifyed as when I was the child of nine looking "Oliver!" for the first time at the cinema... Wonderful movie, all them wonderful actors. Great Ron Moody and Oliver Reed, but, don't forget Jack Wild and Shani Wallis too...

[@deniseoates7147]

This was great to watch. Ron Moody really stole this interview because he had great stories and thoughts on why he played Fagin the way he did, which gave his character dimension. Thanks for sharing and blessing to you and all in the days to come

[@Deejaay83urj38]

Ron Moody. I had no idea he was so . English! Now I know he's even more brilliant than I always knew. He is such a card. Very funny man

[@kat71580]

I totally agree..with Oliver Reed., together..., but what an incredible cast., film crew., ..wonderful., never tire of watching this film. Lionel Bart., genius.

[@kaila62kaila]

This interview is a treat. Saw this in the theatre when it first came out. I'm just a few years younger than Mark Lester. Thanks!

[@colinturner4158]

Everything about this musical film performance was outstanding

[@joshualieder7524]

Moody and Lester both deserved Oscars.

[@matildageek8269]

I don’t think Lester did. I get that he’s a good actor but don’t know why they cast him if he wouldn’t sing

[@MareShoop]

Lester didn’t do his own singing , was dubbed by a young girl. That disqualified him for the Oscar.

[@C0rv1dBon3Z]

@@MareShoop he did, the young girl only helped with the high notes, he could sing well.

[@LesterMoore]

Such a talented, gifted, creative and beautiful generation of performing artists. Their work will be forever lauded in cinema.

[@classicalperformances8777]

"he'd never done a musical before" THAT was the key of it all! enthusiasm and respect towards the pros

[@renaldcosma7192]

I love Mark Lester And Ron Moody

[@brianwilkins1399]

Jack wild was too good performance

[@berniecom728]

I still watch it when it on, it makes me feel old as hell looking at those who has survived to this day. Where has time done?

[@darcymanson3308]

Rest in peace Oliver Reed :(

[@DreamLoveEternal]

Poor jack

[@kelman727]

I never agree with people who swear Fagin’s portrayal was anti-Semitic. Ron Moody, like Lionel Bart, was Jewish, and Moody made the role the stand-out part of the movie. He is almost as sympathetic as Oliver himself. A crook he may be, but - unlike Sikes - evil he is not.

[@amiefortman7220]

They were talking more about the original book and its first adaptations, in which... yeah, Fagin is a pretty nasty caricature, and Dickens was even called out for it by Jewish readers in his own time. Bart and Moody wanted to take the character as far away from those roots as possible, and it's because of their efforts that Fagin in the musical is a more palatable character. He goes from being a despicable corrupter of children who plans to have multiple people murdered to a more comic character who goes out of his way to avoid violence and seems to genuinely care about the kids in his care. I can't speak for everyone about whether or not it worked (I'm not Jewish myself), but I can definitely see their intentions, and I can honestly say I trust them more than most gentile filmmakers with the material.

[@ellie-tk4jy]

It's a criticism of Dickens who was clearly racist along with an utter misogynist. Revolting man.

[@JohnHoulgate]

Dickens mentioned Fagin being a Jew more than a couple hundred times throughout the novel. By our standards today, it's sickening. Dicken's redacted a lot of those mentions in later editions of the book, but the damage had already been done and Dickens had to apologize for it. In David Lean's movie Alec Guiness sports a hooknose that was very obviously faked and even mimicked a modified Yiddish accent. I may get in trouble for saying this but I think it's important to remember that Fagin is Jewish, not because of what it says about Jewish people, quite the opposite. The character Fagin is someone who is completely disconnected from his Jewish roots and community. There are no family members of Fagin's in the story and family arguably the most important factor of what it means to be Jewish. He is so bad, he's completely isolated from all that is near and dear to his upbringing. He's out among the most criminal elements of the gentiles, getting them to do his bidding and giving them nothing but the barest essentials to survive. If that is wicked evil, I don't know what is. Any Jewish person I know would never want anything to do with such a character. The musical Fagin gives you a reason to like him and it's also a way to contrast and highlight an even more evil character, Bill Sykes, who is himself, a creation of Fagin's. Another interesting aspect of Ron Moody's transmogrification of Fagin shows up in "Pick a Pocket or Too." This song depicts a scene from Dicken's novel where he teaches young Oliver how to 'make kerchiefs and wallets.' It actually happens to be the most entertaining scene in the whole story. Fagin and boys demonstrate the art of stealing like it's some kind of parlour trick, making Oliver giggle and laugh. So there's your link from the original Fagin to the musical Fagin.

[@GrilloTheFlightless]

@@JohnHoulgateYes. He’s certainly a very unpleasant person in the book and not at all the loveable rogue he was in the movie. And the times that Dickens refers to him as “the Jew” as if his wickedness and his Jewishness are synonymous is quite stark. Something that also comes out more strongly in the book is that he took the child Sykes and more-or-less made him into the adult he became, and was doing exactly the same thing to Jack ‘Artful Dodger’ Dawkins.

[@JohnHoulgate]

@@GrilloTheFlightless Absolutely right. Sykes was what Oliver could have become. Jack Dawkins was already on his way to becoming Bill Sykes. Anthony Newly's portrayal of the Artful Dodger in the 1948 version bore that out.

[@DreamLoveEternal]

Can't believe Jack wasn't even mentioned!

[@pruehalliwell2497]

I think this film was brilliantly cast. But Jack Wild and Ron Moody's performances in particular made this film the huge success that it was. A huge loss along with Oliver Reed.

[@lucidshazz4076]

Ikr dream

[@PaulLea]

Interesting clip, sadly so many of the cast have died now.

[@DeanLeonard1]

Ron Moody is a hoot!

[@papsp]

I met him (Mark Lester) and his mother for a lunch (in a professional capacity) at the Carlton Tower in London in 1979. He was looking exactly as he did in The Prince and The Pauper. I didn't realize at the time he was not getting any more job offers, but looking back in retrospect, it is not surprising at all. Despite he being 21 by then, his mother did all the talking. He was very aloof, not engaging, his presence didn't draw any sort of attention. After this, I've got a full profile on him from his agent. The lunch and the profile gave me more than enough reason to drop him from the project I was representing at the time.

[@イギリスの男]

Oliver was a perfect casting then! A star who isn’t a star!

[@gwynnethcoan761]

He didn’t come over well on this - no warmth or personality. Didn’t realise his voice was dubbed!

[@danrossell6375]

@@gwynnethcoan761 By the lyricist’s daughter

[@peterwilson5336]

@@ezeztztztz I see what you are saying but Mark was 8 when he played over, what singing skills does anyone have at 8 ? Or acting for that matter, only a select few. Jack was 16 ! He at that point had twice time on the Earth so outshine Mark in skill set and ability. Mark was cast due to his boyish kind looks and his ability to listen and do the job. Frank Sinatra is not the best singer in the world but his phrasing is top tier. Everyone has their strengths and weakness I don’t think it’s fair to crucify him. It’s easy for the kids to act in the chorus, safety in numbers. He was 8, all eyes on him and probably a lot of jealousy at times from the other kids. I think he done great for his age

[@peterwilson5336]

@@ezeztztztz I’ve not seen that movie but I will Defo check it out ! I think Mark’s career in the end has spoken for itself but at such a young age I think we should expect him to be a mini Larry ! I often think too about of Jack Wilde went with the drinking etc. Such a shame for a guy who had so much to give.

[@CultgentlemanJack]

Ron moody I’m your biggest fan.. you sir are a legend your performance is a masterpiece for all time ..this musical is magical to me the emotion and the energy has always stayed with me if only you knew as a child the experience it gave me the emotional equivalent would be a nuclear core melt down.. the energy created would light the entire globe for a year… to all the actors to every one how brought this masterpiece alive the only expression avontgar , avontgar ❤

[@Isleofskye]

Well Said..

[@manuelkong10]

"You can't make a musical out of a monster"....Mel Brooks, "Hold my beer"

[@darcymanson3308]

It makes me sad knowing Jack Wild isnt there...😢

[@SusanaSanchez-tv4sy]

Qué tristeza la ausencia del mejor Artful Dodger de la historia, el maravilloso e increíble Jack Wild, que en paz descanse.

[@lucidshazz4076]

RIP RON

[@martinmayhew145]

He's passed away, that's sad. I loved the way he did Fagin, still bad in a clowning way

[@StrengthNIA]

I'm only 88! Brilliant x

[@christineandrews6991]

Hello, I was looking for an old cast member who I then knew at school. He was called Larry / Lawrence Bolger. I think he was one of the boys as a chimney sweep and a boy by the pond who threw a girl in the pond. Anyone remember him?

[@artistpaul]

Interesting comment from Christina here, and if you scroll to 11:04 and hear Ron Moody's comments about that, and I'm so glad it got made, as it really turned out a masterpiece of film.

[@atreb56]

Thank you so much.

[@abdulmalik2485]

Oliver is great.Nancy is amazing.dodger super. Feel sorry he died.

[@traciebecker6669]

What a great old interview. "I am reviewing this situation" Ron Moody, Jack Wild, Mark Lester, Shani Wallis and Oliver Reed were incredible! Everyone involved deserves great credit including, director, producer, all crew, dancers and singers; it was magic. I think Moody kept the darkness of the monster Fagin but he could also expose his lighter side of being an approachable human being a master of trickery he must have learned earlier on. He was brilliant and doesn't take away from the mastery of Dickens but enhances the story Dickens gave us. As for any anti-Semitism I absolutely am not, I love all people but that being said everyone us are unique individuals and our unique individual character is what we should be judged on. Among every race there are honorable and evil persons. While our character may be shaped by our experiences I doubt much has to do with what race we are born into, but more what kind of treatment and environment we have endured or been blessed with. I suggest we never judge a race of people by the actions of a character or few characters characters born into that race. Here we are in 2021 and there are those attempting to have us divided by the actions and narrative of those who seek power over us. You know there is good orbad everywhere. There are individuals, groups and gangs of people in America, for example who would do themselves and others harm, does that mean I as an individual American would or my neighbors would? Absolutely not! I just watched Oliver again and will be reading Dickens's Oliver as well. Both are brilliant classics!

[@MrDaiseymay]

IT WON 5 OSCARS, WHEN IT SHOULD HAVE SWEPT THE BOARD.

[@CultgentlemanJack]

Thank you for such an eloquent and inspiring response. I just love the 1968 version it’s magical to me for many reasons. Mostly because I seen this as a child and it spoke to me in an innocent magical manner. It reminds me of the god old days but I was an emotional intelligent and mature child. I learned lessons from this musical of compassion and acceptance and a unique perspective on life. And agree Rons redevelopment of the character gave no insult to the Jewish people, because I am very anti semantic and hold the Jewish culture with absolutely no prejudice I respect and love my fellow Jewish brothers and sisters Really enjoyed reading your comment and can appreciate your a fellow thespian

[@Isleofskye]

Superbly put. The funny thing is that I don't remember Kenneth Vranham at all yet I remember Peggy Mount and all the rest. Don't even remember the character of "Noah", What was he,please?

[@atticusvilly888]

Kenneth Cranham! That’s Louisa’s dad from Doc Martin!👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️

[@johnwilliams2479]

Moody so funny chatting away with his Jewish way of speaking lovely story teller

[@Isleofskye]

I'm 70.Not Jewish in London but they are gifted people.

[@jrgboy]

Many musicals feature the macabre, Phantom of The Opera, Sweeny Todd, Les Miserables, Maggie May, you can make a successful show about any subject

[@colinturner4158]

What about Nancy

[@phillamoore157]

Who was Kennth Graham’s character??

[@missrayishat]

He was the younger guy that worked in the funeral home.

[@phillamoore157]

@@missrayishat I finally did some research and figured that out. I was astonished at how many times I've seen this cast in other movies, and never realized who I was watching.

[@missrayishat]

@@phillamoore157 right!!! I just found out that he was also in Maleficent.

[@lisabowell143]

Kenneth Cranham

[@Isleofskye]

@@phillamoore157 EXACTLY. I wondered what he was even doing there and, like you,I have seen this classic many times since 1968.

[@video198712]

This is the second time I heard the star of the Big movie was in the bathroom when his parents told him that he got the part in the movie. Daniel Radcliffe (of Harry Potter fame) Said the same thing when he said where he was when he was told he got the part as Harry.

[@martinmayhew145]

Give him a break, he was 8, when he got the part. Do you remember exactly everything when you were 8?

[@letiziaexwera910]

The star is gone 🎩💔

[@stuartryan610]

Shani Wallis great voice

[@Tom6093]

Bill killed her, While she tried to text Oliver.

[@johnhennessy8903]

go my you yube!

[@misplacedkiwi9498]

I’ve met Mark Lester- he’s an osteopath now!

[@juliemiller2523]

love fagin.. he didnt get the acclaim he deserved

[@Iamsome61]

Christina, lighten up for god's sake.

[@jimdavid8126]

The interviewer asks some terrible questions and spends more time talking than the actors do. Disgraceful.

[@sandrashevey8252]

Victorian workhouse children have their heads shaven.

[@martinmayhew145]

How would they have done that in the 1800s, with what?

[@PeterLGଈ]

@@martinmayhew145 With shears and razors, same as they do now, just rougher.

[@danrossell6375]

Easier to treat for lice

[@christinaarcher3341]

Sad film. Inappropiate musical.

[@kelman727]

Christina Archer Balls.

[@savannahglebe5165]

Get a grip

[@PeterLGଈ]

Such a sad person you must have been when you wrote this.

[@glenn20081965]

Woke pathetic person.

[@Isleofskye]

10 YEARS LATER and STILL "no likes"..I wonder why?

[@santitofelipe6283]

However Many versions of 'Oliver Twist' they remake as a feature film, Will Never Ever TOP this original cast. Young Mark Lester Nailed that role 'Period! Ron Moody Owned that role. And there'll never be another human being that will ever play the role of Nancy the way '1st Class' Actress Shani Wallis plays it. -- Sir David Lean was a class film director.. Only He I would've trusted to remake this film.

[@Isleofskye]

THen add Harry Secombe, Oliver Reed, Leonard Rossiter,Jack Wyld et al...